Luggage with Deployable Undercarriage

ABSTRACT

A luggage with a deployable, wheeled undercarriage and movable handles. The undercarriage has telescoping support members that can be deployed or opened to carry additional baggage and closed when not required. Wheels on the support members allow the luggage to be moved along the floor without having to tilt the luggage. This increases the stability and the amount of baggage that can be added. The handles in the deployed configuration extend behind the luggage to facilitate pushing the luggage. Deployment of the undercarriage can be manual or automatic with actuation of a deployment member, such as the handle itself.

This patent application claims the benefit of United States ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/342,203, entitled “Wheeled Suitcase Cart withTelescopic Push Handle and Pouch” filed Apr. 12, 2010 which applicationis incorporated in its entirety here by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to suitcases or luggage with a deployingundercarriage.

BACKGROUND

Travelers are always looking for efficient and easy ways for carryingtheir baggage. Many times people in airports are trying to pull at leasttwo suitcases at a time, as well as a small carry-on bag, briefcase,laptop, purse, cameras, etc. In addition, parents have to manage theirchildren who also may have their own luggage and toys.

Wheeled suitcases with telescopic handles are now the norm. This allowsthe traveler to tilt the suitcase onto its rear wheels and pull thesuitcase by the handle so that the traveler does not have to lift thesuitcase. This may be acceptable for the light traveler; however, fortravelers going on extended vacations with multiple baggages, the simplesuitcase with wheels and a telescopic handle just is not enough.

Travelers may try to stack additional baggage on top of the rollingsuitcase. Some suitcases even come with support members that extend fromthe front to increase the surface area for stacking. However, thesupport members are weak and are limited in the amount of baggage thatcan be placed on them. In addition, the stacked baggage is often timesunsteady, and when the traveler comes to a stop and needs to rest,resetting the baggage into the vertical position causes all the stackedbaggage to fall off.

In some instances, the traveler may rent a cart at an airport, ifavailable. However, when the traveler is finished using the cart, thecart must be returned. Therefore, the rental of a cart can be costly,and is definitely inconvenient.

For the foregoing reasons there is a need for a luggage that allows thetraveler to carry multiple baggage easily and effectively.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a suitcase and undercarriage attachedunderneath it that, when pulled out or pushed out either manually orautomatically (i.e. deployed), provides sturdy space to carry extraluggage effortlessly. When not in use, the wheels are all gathered underthe suitcase base in a closed configuration. The wheels are positionedin a way that will not interfere with each other. The front of the cartmaybe slightly elevated to better keep the luggage and items in placeand secure. Also, the telescopic bars when not in use will have aprotective box under the suitcase.

A handle may be deployable from the suitcase to facilitate pushing thesuitcase. In the closed configuration, the handle can be hidden orembedded into the surface of the suitcase. In the deployedconfiguration, the handles may be slightly slanted so as to facilitatepushing the suitcase.

A containment unit such as a pouch or a bag may be attached to thehandle so that the traveler can put extra items, like a coat, laptop,camera, etc. inside the pouch to free their hands and shoulders fromextra items. The containment unit is collapsible and when closed becomesflush with the suitcase.

The undercarriage is constructed of lightweight material and usesminimal parts so as not to add excess weight to the suitcase. However,due to the use of rails and additional wheels, the undercarriage,including its support members can receive loads much heavier than whatcan be carried on standard suitcases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention with theundercarriage in a closed configuration and the handle in a deployedconfiguration.

FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of embodiment the present invention in aclosed configuration.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the present invention with theundercarriage and a deployed configuration and the handle and a deployedconfiguration.

FIG. 4 shows a partial view of an embodiment of the present inventionwith the undercarriage in a fully deployed configuration.

FIG. 5 shows a rearview of embodiment of the present invention with theundercarriage and a deployed configuration.

FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the undercarriage.

FIG. 7 shows a rearview of another embodiment of the present inventionwith the handle and the undercarriage and a deployed configuration.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a partial cutaway view of an embodiment of theundercarriage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of presently-preferred embodimentsof the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms inwhich the present invention may be constructed or utilized. Thedescription sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps forconstructing and operating the invention in connection with theillustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the sameor equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by differentembodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spiritand scope of the invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the present invention is a luggage or suitcase100 having a deployable undercarriage 102 to facilitate users travelingwith multiple baggage 10. In the deployed configuration, as shown inFIGS. 3-5, the deployable undercarriage allows additional baggage 10 tobe carried by the user with ease. In the stored or closed configuration,as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the deployable undercarriage 102 tucks awayunderneath the luggage or suitcase 100 so as to be inconspicuous, yetstill providing a means for mobilizing the suitcase 100 with ease, andwithout having to tilt the suitcase 100.

Referring to FIG. 1, the luggage with deployable undercarriage comprisesa suitcase, luggage, or any other type of container 100 to hold theuser's personal effects; and an undercarriage 102 to provide a means formobilizing the luggage or suitcase 100.

The suitcase 100 can be a standard suitcase or luggage defined by afront wall 104, a rear wall 106 opposite the front wall 104, twosidewalls 108, 110 opposite each other and adjacent to the front wall104 and the rear wall 106, a top wall 112 adjacent to the front and rearwalls 104, 106 and the sidewalls 108, 110, and a bottom wall 114opposite the top wall 112 and adjacent to front and rear walls 104, 106and the sidewalls 108, 110. In this configuration, at least one of thefront wall 104, sidewalls 108, 110, or top wall 112 can be opened toaccess the interior of the suitcase 100. The bottom 114 and rear walls106 are typically the walls that are placed on support surfaces, such asfloors, tables, beds, and the like, when the user is trying to accessthe inside compartment or for moving the suitcase 100 along the floor.The suitcase 100 can be a softcover suitcase or a hardcover suitcase.

As shown in FIG. 2, the undercarriage 102 comprises a base 200, asupport means 202, a deployment means 204 that allows the support means202 to deploy out and away from the base 200, and a plurality of wheels206 that allows the undercarriage to move. In the preferred embodiment,the entire undercarriage 200 is attached to the bottom wall 114 of thesuitcase 100 to maximize the concealment of the undercarriage 102 in thestored configuration. Having the entire undercarriage 102 attached tothe bottom wall 114 of the suitcase 100 also eliminates any hindrance orobstruction to accessing the interior of the suitcase 100. This allowsthe user to access the interior of the suitcase 100 quickly and easilyat any time during travel without having to adjust the undercarriageconfiguration.

The base 200 may be any rigid structure sufficient to support thesuitcase 100. For example, the base 200 may be a flat plate, a pluralityof crossbars, a frame, and the like. In the preferred embodiment, thebase 200 is a flat square or rectangular plate or panel 600 as shown inFIG. 6. For the purposes of convenience only, the base 200 may belabeled as having a front 602, a back 604 opposite the front 602, twosides 606, 608, opposite each other and adjacent to the front 602 andback 604, a top surface 610 and a bottom surface 612. The support means202 deploys from the front 602 of the base 200.

The deployment means 204 may be attached to the bottom surface 612 ofthe base panel 600. In some embodiments, an angled bar 614 may beattached to the bottom surface 612 of the base panel 600 along theopposite sides 606, 608 in a direction from the front 602 to the back604 for added stability. In such an embodiment, the deployment means 204may be attached to the angled bars 614. In some embodiments, the angledbars 614 alone may serve as the base. A set of wheels 206 may beattached towards the back end 604 of the base panel 600. In thepreferred embodiment, two wheels 206 are attached to the back end 604 ofthe base panel 600, one at each corner. In some embodiments, the wheels206 may be attached to the suitcase 100.

Referring to FIG. 6, the deployment means 202 may comprise a series ofrails that slide along each other in a telescopic manner A pair of fixedrails 620 may be affixed to the bottom surface 612 of the base 200 alongthe sides. A pair of sliding rails 622 may be configured to slide alongthe fixed rails in a forward and backward direction relative to the base200. A sliding panel 624 may be attached to the pair of sliding rails622 so that the sliding panel 624 can slide in and out from the base 200with the sliding rails 622.

In some embodiments, to further increase the length of the extension,additional sliding rails and additional sliding panels may be used. Forexample, a second pair of sliding rails 626 may be slidingly engagedwith the first pair of sliding rails 622 so as to further extend thereach of the first sliding panel 624. The second pair of sliding rails626 may be attached to the first sliding panel 624. The first slidingpanel 624 may be further attached to a second pair of fixed rails 628. Asecond sliding panel 630 may be slidably coupled to the second pair offixed rails 628 via a third pair of sliding rails 632 to furtherincrease the surface area upon which baggage can be stored.

In the preferred embodiment, drawer rails or drawer slides may be used.Although typical telescoping action utilizing a series of concentrictubes can also be used, the rail system provides for better slidingaction as well as strength and durability. In addition, the slidingrails may be substantially the same length as the panel they support.This further increases the support to the panel.

The front portion of the undercarriage 102 maybe slightly elevated tobetter keep the luggage and items in place and secure.

The undercarriage may be made from a variety of strong and rigidstructures, such as metal, carbon fiber, plastic, wood, and the like, orany combination thereof. Preferably, the undercarriage is constructed soas to be lightweight to minimize the added weight to the suitcase.

In some embodiments, to lighten the weight of the present invention, thesupport means 202 may be a frame comprising a plurality of crossbars asopposed to a solid panel. The crossbars may slide along a rail or may betelescoping. As shown in FIG. 10, to protect the crossbars in the closedconfiguration, the undercarriage may further comprise a protective cover1000 that can slide onto the support means 202. The protective cover1000 may be constructed from any type of rigid material, such asplastic, wood, metal, and the like. The protective cover 1000 isessentially a rectangular, box-like casing with an open end 1002 on oneside. The protective cover 1000 may have a series of slots 1004 toaccommodate the wheels when slid onto the support means 202.

Wheels 206, 208 are fixed to the underside of the undercarriage 102 toallow the suitcase 100 to be rolled across the floor with ease. Thewheels 206, 208 can be arranged in a variety of different ways, in anycombination on the base 200 and the sliding panels 624 or 630. Forexample, a pair of wheels 206 may be attached to the base 200, one wheelat each rear corner of the base. A second pair of wheels 208 may beattached to the front corners of the base 200. Alternatively, the secondpair of wheels 208 may be attached to the sliding panel 624. Inembodiments comprising a second sliding panel 630, the second pair ofwheels 208 may be attached to either the second sliding panel 630 or thefirst sliding panel 624. In some embodiments, to maximize stability,wheels may be placed in all of the above locations. In some embodiments,slots 634 may be required in the sliding panels 630 or 624 so as toallow the panels 630 or 624 to slide back towards the base 200, in thestored configuration without receiving interference from the otherwheels 206, 208.

The wheels can be any type of wheels used to allow suitcases to rollacross a flat surface. For example, the wheels may be caster wheels,rubber wheels, ball wheels, and the like. The wheels may furthercomprise a lock to prevent unwanted movement of the suitcase 100. Thisalso eliminates the use of feet used in existing suitcases to preventunwanted movement of the suitcase. Due to the absence of these feet,however, the suitcase of the present invention can be rolled on itswheels without having to be tilted, making it more convenient when thereis a lot of starting and stopping.

The handle 120 may be attached to the suitcase 100 in such a way so asto allow the user to push or pull the suitcase 100 along the floor onthe undercarriage 102. In the preferred embodiment, the handle 120 ismovably attached to the suitcase 100. In other words, the handle 120 canmove or be adjusted so as to have multiple positions relative to thesuitcase 100. Most typical suitcases having wheels also have atelescoping handle 122 that extends directly and linearly upwardsrelative to the suitcase at rest to allow the height of the handle to beadjusted so that in the extended position the traveler must tilt thesuitcase onto a pair of wheels 206 located at the back end of thesuitcase in order to push or pull the suitcase with the handle.

In the present invention, however, the handle 120 in the deployedconfiguration projects behind the suitcase 100 in its resting or naturalstate, with the handle angled upward. A resting state of the suitcase isa stable position of the suitcase when the user is not holding it. Thispositioning of the handle 120 makes it easier for the user to push thesuitcase. To accomplish the proper positioning of the handle 120, thehandle 120 may be telescopic and/or rotatable. This allows the handle120 to move not only in a linear up and down direction to change theheight or length of the handle 120, but also in a rotatable forward andbackward motion to position the handle 120 above the suitcase 100 oreven behind the suitcase 100 when the suitcase 100 is in a restingposition. In combination with the wheels 206, 208 on the undercarriage102, this positioning of the handle 120 allows the suitcase to be pushedwithout requiring the suitcase 100 to be tilted.

In some embodiments, the handle 120 comprises a grip portion 124 and aframe portion 126 connected to the grip portion 124. The frame portion126 may be rotatably attached to the suitcase 100, either on the sidesor on the back. For example, the frame portion 126 may be attached tothe suitcase 100 via a hinge mechanism 128 to allow the handle 120 tohave at least two configurations, the deployed configuration, and astored or closed configuration.

In some embodiments, the handle 120 may be a telescoping handle 500 thattelescopes or slides in and out of the side of the suitcase 100, therebyeliminating any rotational movement without sacrificing the deployed andstored positions of the handle. For example, the sides 108, 110 of thesuitcase 100 may have rails or tubes 502 into which the telescopinghandle 500 can slide into and out of. The rails or tubes may be angledin such a manner that when the telescoping handle 500 is extended, itsposition is in a convenient location for the user to grasp. For example,the front portion 504 of the rails or tubes 502 may be lower than therear portion 506 of the rails or tubes 502. This allows the telescopinghandle 500 to extend in a rearward and upward direction. The rails ortubes 502 may be connected to vertical tubes 510 via reinforcement bars132 for added stability.

In the deployed configuration, the handle 120 is positioned upwardly andbehind the suitcase 100 as shown in FIG. 3. This allows the suitcase 100to be pushed like a shopping cart. In the stored configuration thehandle 120 may rotate upwardly and towards the front of the suitcase 100so that the handle 120 lands on the top wall 112 of the suitcase 100 asshown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, or additionally, the handle 120 mayrotate downwardly towards the bottom of the suitcase 100 so as to bestored onto the back 106 of the suitcase. The top 112 and/or back 106 ofthe suitcase 100 may comprise a groove 130 to receive the handle 120 inthe stored configuration so that the handle 120 is flush with thesuitcase 102. This allows the handle 120 to be at least partiallyconcealed. Although the handle 120 may still be visible, since it isflush with the surface of the suitcase 102 and not protruding out;therefore, it is less likely to be damaged when tossed about.

In some embodiments, the frame portion 126 of the handle 120 may beattached to the suitcase along a reinforcement bar 132. Reinforcementbar 132 transfers the forces applied upon it by the user pushing thehandle 120 towards other foundational portions of the suitcase 100 so asto improve the stability of the handle 120 and the suitcase 100 whilebeing pushed. For example, the suitcase 100 may comprise a verticallytelescoping handle 122. The vertical telescoping handle may be insertedinto vertical tubes 510 encased in the rear wall 106 of the suitcase100. The reinforcement bars 132 may extend from the attachment point ofthe handle 120 towards the vertical tubes 510 either at right angles tothe vertical tubes 510 or at an oblique angle.

In some embodiments, the suitcase 100 may have an automatic deploymentmeans 100 to automatically cause the undercarriage 102 to deploy withouthaving to pull it out manually from the front. For example, an automaticdeployment means may be the actuation of a deployment member, such asthe handle 120, a button, a lever, a cable, and the like, to cause theundercarriage 102 to deploy. As one example, the deployment of thehandle 120 automatically causes deployment of the undercarriage 102.This can be accomplished by connecting the handle 120 to theundercarriage 102 with a series of cables, pulleys, and/or levers toconvert the rotational movement of the handle into translationalmovement of the undercarriage. For example, a sheath cable may connectthe hinge to the undercarriage via a pulley. Deployment of the handle120 causes the hinge to rotate in a direction that allows the sheathcable to unwind. The increased length of the sheath cable is directed tothe forward movement of the undercarriage via the pulley.

In another example, a frame portion 126 of handle 120 may extend fromthe top of the suitcase to the bottom of the suitcase with the frameportion hingedly connected to the bottom of the suitcase. The handle 120may telescopically extend upwards. A first pulley may be positioned atthe top, rear corner of the suitcase, a second pulley, may be positionedat the bottom, rear corner of the suitcase, and a third pulley may bepositioned at the bottom, front corner of the suitcase, all on the sameside. A similar pulley arrangement can be arranged on the opposite side.A first cable attached to the upper end of the frame portion may beconnected to the back end of the panels through these pulleys. A secondcable may be attached to the back end of the panel through the secondpulley. Deploying the handle causes the first cable to pull on thepanels in the forward direction due to the third pulley. Closing thehandle, causes the second cable to pull on the panels in the rearwarddirection due to the second pulley. Various other pulley systems can beutilized to make the movement of the panels dependent on the movement ofthe handles.

In some embodiments, a series of linked arms may be connected to thehandle so as to push the sliding panel 624 in and out with the handle120. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7-8B, the handle 120 or the rear 106of the suitcase 100 may be hingedly connected to a first pair of linkarms 800. Hinges 808 and 810 can allow the first pair of link arms 800to move relative to the suitcase 100. A second pair of link arms 802 ishingedly connected to the first pair of link arms 800 at the back end ofthe undercarriage 102. The back end of the undercarriage 102 comprisestwo slots 812 into which the second pair of link arms 802 can beinserted. The second pair of link arms 802 our hingedly connected to athird pair of link arms 804 inside the undercarriage 102. The third pairof link arms 804 have two opposite ends 803, 805. Referring to one ofthe third pair of link arms 804, the first end 803 is fixed to the base,but allowed to swivel about a hinge 807 that is connected to the base200 of the undercarriage 102 towards the back end on one side 608. Thesecond end 805 is slidably connected to the sliding panel 624 on theopposite side 606 of the sliding panel 624. The second end 805 may beslidably connected to the sliding panel 624 through a slotted link arm806 which is fixed to the sliding panel 624. Alternatively, the slidingpanel 624 may have slots to accommodate the second ends of the thirdlink arms. The slot 809 of the slotted link 806 or sliding panel 624 isconfigured to extend from one side 606 of the base 200 towards theopposite side 608 and towards the rear 604 so as to form an obliqueangle relative to the side 606 or 608. A similar arrangement of thethird pair of link arms and slotted link arms is created on the oppositeside, such that the two link arms of the third pair of link arms 804cross at approximately the midpoint.

In use, when the handle 120 is deployed or pulled backward, the portionof the first pair of link arms 800 connected to the handle 120 or therear 106 of the suitcase also leans backward causing the opposite endsof the first pair of link arms 800 that are connected to the second pairof link arms 802 to move in a forward direction. This causes the secondpair of link arms 802 to also move in a forward direction. Since thesecond pair of link arms 802 is connected in between the first andsecond ends 803, 805 of the third pair of link arms 804 forward movementof the second pair of link arms 802 causes the second ends 805 of thethird pair of link arms 804 to move towards the center of the slidingpanel 624 since the first end 803 is fixed to the base 200. Due to theangled slots 809, as the second ends 805 of the third pair of link arms804 move towards the center of the sliding panel 624, the sliding panel624 is pushed forward and deployed. Closing the handle 120 causesreverse movement of each of these parts resulting in the sliding panel624 closing underneath the suitcase 100.

Although these mechanisms are shown on the external surface of thesuitcase, they can easily be placed internally so as to reduce thechance of damage and so as to be more aesthetically pleasing.

In some embodiments, the panels may be spring-loaded and locked in thestored configuration so that actuating a button, lever, cable, handle,and the like, releases the lock, allowing the spring to release andautomatically eject the platforms into the open or deployedconfiguration. For example, to further assist in deployment of theundercarriage, a standard gas shock, gas assist strut, spring, and thelike may be attached to the base and the support means. For example, oneend of the gas strut may be attached to the base 200, and the other endof the gas strut may be fixed to the sliding panel 624. In the preferredembodiment, the gas shock 900 is biased a few degrees less thanvertical. This will apply a force on the sliding panel 624 that willassist it in deploying when the sliding panel is unlatched.

FIG. 9 shows the undercarriage in a deployed position with the gas shock900 extended, keeping the sliding panel 624 in a fully extendedposition. In order to stow the sliding panel 624, enough force must beapplied to overcome the spring force of the gas shock to move thesliding panel to a stored position.

In some embodiments, a bag or other type of containment unit 140 may beattached to the handle 120 in such a way that deployment of the handle120 also causes deployment of the containment unit 140, and concealingthe handle 120 causes concealment of the containment unit 140. Thecontainment unit 140 provides an additional pocket or storagecompartment to hold a variety of material that can be easily accessed.The containment unit 140 has an open end 142 into which personal effectscan be deposited and a closed end 144 to contain the personal effectsthat were deposited into the open end. The perimeter 146 of the open end142 may be attached to the handle 120, such that the handle 120 alsoforms the open end 142 when in the deployed configuration. When thehandle 120 is in the closed configuration, the remainder of thecontainment unit 140 may be tucked underneath the handle 120 and madeflush against the rear or top wall of the suitcase.

Like any telescoping handle, any of the handles 120, 122, 500 disclosedin this application can lock at various positions to vary the precisepositioning of the handles 120, 122, 500. For example, utilizingspring-loaded pins that can be inserted into holes that arestrategically positioned along the frame of the handle, and that can bedisengage by the press of a button. Other standard types of locks arealso known, such as using resistance. Similarly, the rotational movementof the handle 120 can be locked at various angles relative to thesuitcase 100 using similar mechanisms.

Removal of the suitcase 100 allows the undercarriage to be used like adolly, flatbed cart, shopping cart, and the like to carry other types ofloads. In such an embodiment, the handle 120 would be connected directlyto the undercarriage instead of through the suitcase.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the inventionhas been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. Itis not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to theprecise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possiblein light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of theinvention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claimsand the equivalents to the claims appended hereto.

1. A luggage, comprising: a. a suitcase defined by a front wall, a rearwall opposite the front wall, two sidewalls opposite each other andadjacent to the front wall and the rear wall, a top wall adjacent to thefront and rear walls and the sidewalls, and a bottom wall opposite thetop wall and adjacent to front and rear walls and the sidewalls, thesuitcase having i. an adjustable handle movably connected to thesuitcase, the adjustable handle having at least two configurations,wherein in a first configuration the adjustable handle is deployed withthe adjustable handle directed rearward relative to the suitcaseaccessible to a user, and in a second configuration the adjustablehandle is at least partially concealed by the suitcase, ii. acontainment unit connected to the adjustable handle, the containmentunit being pliable so as to adopt an open configuration, and a closedconfiguration, wherein the containment unit adopts the openconfiguration when the adjustable handle is deployed, and thecontainment unit adopts the closed configuration when the adjustablehandle is concealed, iii. a reinforcement bar embedded in the rear wallof the suitcase through which the adjustable handle is connected to thesuitcase, the reinforcement bar providing added structural integrity tothe handle, iv. a surface groove on and external surface of the suitcaseto receive the adjustable handle in the closed configuration so as toconceal the handle below the external surface of the suitcase; and b. anundercarriage, comprising: i. a base; ii. a first pair of wheelsattached to the base; iii. a support member, slidingly attached to thebase via a rail system; iv. a second pair of wheels attached to thefirst support member; v. wherein the rail system, comprises: a) a firstpair of fixed rails attached to the base via a first pair of angledbars, b) a pair of intermediate rails slidingly coupled to the firstpair of fixed rails, c) a pair of inner rails slidingly coupled to thepair of intermediate rails, the pair of inner rails attached to thesupport member via a second pair of angled bars, d) a second pair offixed rails attached to the second pair of angled bars, e) a second pairof inner rails slidingly coupled to the second pair of fixed rails, thesecond pair of inner rails fixed to a second support member, the secondsupport member comprising a pair of slots to receive the second pair ofwheels when in the stored configuration.
 2. A luggage, comprising: a. asuitcase defined by a front wall, a rear wall opposite the front wall,two sidewalls opposite each other and adjacent to the front wall and therear wall, a top wall adjacent to the front and rear walls and thesidewalls, and a bottom wall opposite the top wall and adjacent to frontand rear walls and the sidewalls, the suitcase having an adjustablehandle adjustably connected to the suitcase, the adjustable handlehaving at least two configurations, wherein in a first configuration theadjustable handle is deployed with the handle directed rearward andupward relative to the suitcase in a resting position, and in a secondconfiguration the adjustable handle is concealed by the suitcase; and b.an undercarriage, comprising: i. a base; ii. a first pair of wheelsattached to the base; iii. a first support member slidingly attached tothe base via a first rail system, the first rail system comprising afixed rail attached to the base, and a sliding rail attached to thesupport member, the sliding rail slidably coupled to the fixed rail; iv.a second pair of wheels attached to the support member; and v. a secondsupport member slidingly coupled to the first support member via asecond rail system.
 3. The luggage of claim 2, wherein the supportmembers are automatically deployed by actuation of deployment member. 4.The luggage of claim 3, wherein the deployment member is the adjustablehandle.
 5. The luggage of claim 2, further comprising a reinforcementbar embedded in the rear wall of the suitcase through which theadjustable handle is connected to the suitcase, the reinforcement barproviding added structural integrity to the adjustable handle,
 6. Theluggage of claim 2, further comprising a surface groove an externalsurface of the suitcase to receive the adjustable handle in the secondconfiguration so as to conceal the adjustable handle below the externalsurface of the suitcase.
 7. The luggage of claim 2, further comprising acontainment unit connected to the adjustable handle, the containmentunit being pliable so as to adopt an open configuration, and a closedconfiguration, wherein the containment unit adopts the openconfiguration when the adjustable handle is deployed, and thecontainment unit adopts the closed configuration when the adjustablehandle is concealed.
 8. The luggage of claim 2, wherein the secondsupport member is a panel, wherein the second support member comprises apair of slots to receive the second pair of wheels in the storedconfiguration.
 9. The luggage of claim 2, wherein the first supportmember is a panel, wherein the first support member comprises a secondpair of slots to receive the second pair of wheels in the storedconfiguration.
 10. A luggage, comprising: a. a suitcase defined by afront wall, a rear wall opposite the front wall, two sidewalls oppositeeach other and adjacent to the front wall and the rear wall, a top walladjacent to the front and rear walls and the sidewalls, and a bottomwall opposite the top wall and adjacent to front and rear walls and thesidewalls, the suitcase having an adjustable handle movably connected tothe suitcase, the adjustable handle having two configurations, whereinin a first configuration the adjustable handle is deployed with thehandle directed rearward relative to the suitcase and accessible to auser, and in a second configuration the adjustable handle is concealedby the suitcase; and b. an undercarriage, comprising: i. a base; ii. afirst support member telescopically attached to the base capable ofadopting an open configuration and a closed configuration; and iii. apair of wheels attached to the support member.
 11. The luggage of claim10, wherein the adjustable handle is rotatably connected to thesuitcase.
 12. The luggage of claim 10, further comprising a secondsupport member telescopically attached to the first support member. 13.The luggage of claim 12, wherein the second support member is a panelcomprising a pair of slots to receive the pair of wheels in the storedconfiguration.
 14. The luggage of claim 10, wherein the support membersare automatically deployed by actuation of deployment member.
 15. Theluggage of claim 14, wherein the deployment member is the adjustablehandle.
 16. The luggage of claim 10, further comprising a reinforcementbar embedded in the rear wall of the suitcase through which theadjustable handle is connected to the suitcase, the reinforcement barproviding added structural integrity to the adjustable handle.
 17. Theluggage of claim 10, further comprising a surface groove on an externalsurface of the suitcase to receive the handle in the closedconfiguration so as to conceal the handle below the external surface ofthe suitcase.
 18. The luggage of claim 17, wherein the surface groove islocated on a wall selected from the group consisting of the top wall andthe rear wall.
 19. The luggage of claim 10, further comprising acontainment unit connected to the adjustable handle, the containmentunit capable of adopting an open configuration, and a closedconfiguration, wherein the containment unit adopts the openconfiguration when the adjustable handle is deployed, and thecontainment unit adopts the closed configuration when the adjustablehandle is concealed.
 20. The luggage of claim 10, wherein the suitcasecomprises a pair of wheels connected to a rear portion of the bottomwall of the suitcase.